Interrelationships of DNA-ploidy and cell proliferation markers with T-stage and N-stage in primary laryngeal tumors.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interrelationships of DNA-ploidy and cell proliferation markers with T-stage and N-stage in primary laryngeal tumors.


METHODS
DNA-index, S-phase fraction (SPF), 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdUrd)-labeling index (LI), duration of S-phase (Ts), and potential doubling time (Tpot) were determined by flow cytometry. T-stage and N-stage were assessed in accordance with the TNM classification system (UICC 1987).


RESULTS
T1-2-, when compared with T3-4-stage tumors, had significantly higher LI values (independent from N-stage) resulting in lower Tpot values. No such relationship was found with respect to N-stage. N1-3 tumors, as opposed to NO tumors, appeared to be characterized by a significantly shorter Ts (and, hence, a shorter Tpot). Ts values appeared to vary considerably (range 1.9-6.2 h). For DNA-aneuploidy, as opposed to DNA-diploidy, a significantly higher geometric mean LI was noted. Locally advanced (T3-4) tumors, when compared with T1-2 tumors, were characterized by a significantly higher percentage of DNA-aneuploidy.


CONCLUSIONS
The reported lack of prognostic relevance of cell proliferation markers to predict radiation treatment efficacy may relate to a decreased proliferative capacity (LI, Tpot) in locally advanced (T3-4) tumors, as found in our series. In laryngeal tumors, the predictive value of cell proliferation markers (LI, Tpot) should, therefore, be evaluated after stratification for T-stage. The existence of higher LI values in DNA-aneuploidy tumors was confirmed in our series, stressing the need for distinction of DNA-diploid tumor cells from DNA-diploid normal cells. The prognostic potential of DNA-index was confirmed.
Struikmans
H
H
Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Rutgers
D H
DH
Hordijk
G J
GJ
Slootweg
P J
PJ
van der Tweel
I
I
Battermann
J J
JJ
D002455:Cell Division; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011003:Ploidies; D011379:Prognosis; D016196:S Phase
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm